Spotlight 25-26

I am writing today to share some advice that my good friend, Harry Hindsight, has given me. A long time ago, I attended as school similar to St Edwards. I was in a boarding house full of sporty boys, and luckily, I was one of those boys; popular enough, in all the teams, even capable of socialising with the girls. I say “luckily” because, looking back, those not-so-lucky must have found life at school really tough. I say because one of my close friends was really nasty to one or two boys in particular. I mean, properly unkind. Looking back, it was irrefutably bullying - targeted, hurtful, persistent. I can say, hand on heart, that I was never a perpetrator. I was, however, the next closest thing, I was a by-stander. I did nothing. I said nothing. Not to the bully. Certainly not to a teacher. I basically let it happen. I was a coward. Even worse, I’m sure I laughed along with it all – safe in the knowledge that it wasn’t me on the wrong end of it. To this day, whenever I think about it, I regret not being strong enough to intervene. My advice to you, is that should you witness any unkind behaviour, you need to have courage. Have courage to call it out. The vast majority of people know right from wrong. Some get caught in the moment, but when its pointed out to them, most will stop. If they persist, then they are not a kind person and you should: seek alternative help (teacher, peer listener, senior prefect) offer support to the victim (and I use the word ‘victim’ quite deliberately) seriously question your choice of friends I hope you might take this advice on board – in many ways I hope you will never have to use it, but the sad reality is, you probably will. It’s not always easy to do the right thing, but calling out unkindess will make the world a happier place.

Good luck and have courage,